3 seniors attacked in separate incidents
PANAJI
Stray dog attacks on South Goa beaches have once again sparked concern as three senior citizens including two foreign nationals were bitten in separate incidents over the past week.
According to Drishti Marine, a 60-year-old British national was attacked by a pack of five stray dogs. The incident occurred on Thursday morning when he was strolling along Mobor beach, and one of the dogs bit his left leg. Lifesavers patrolling the area immediately administered first aid.
A day earlier, a 76-year-old Russian woman was bitten by a stray dog while walking on the same beach. Lifesavers promptly provided her with first aid and advised her to seek further medical treatment.
These followed another attack at Benaulim beach when a senior citizen from Karnataka was injured after being attacked by three stray dogs near a temporary shack.
Drishti Marine, which has been tackling increasing cases of dog bites, continues its routine duty of rescuing visitors from drowning. In the first half of 2024, from January to June, Drishti recorded about a dozen dog bite cases — a sharp rise compared to just one incident in 2023 and two in 2022.
According to records, Benaulim, Betalbatim, Calangute, Mandrem and Colva beaches have emerged as hotspots for dog bite incidents, with Benaulim beach reporting the highest number at seven cases.
The issue gained attention in April 2024 when a 35-year-old Russian woman was viciously attacked by a pack of five stray dogs at Benaulim beach. Soon after, a Canadian tourist was chased by four stray dogs and bitten on her right thigh at the same location.
Bollywood actor Rayya Labib was another victim. She sustained bruises and scratches after being chased by stray dogs on Colva beach. Although not bitten, she took to social media to share her ordeal.
Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte had also expressed concern over the stray dog menace in public spaces. Some fishermen and other stakeholders sought the minister’s intervention to ensure visitor safety and address the issue. There were calls for action against beachgoers feeding stray dogs.
